Louis Hernandez, Jr., is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Avid, the leading provider of audio and video technology used to help creative and media professionals make, distribute and monetize the most listened to, most watched and most loved digital media in the world. Mr. Hernandez is a proven growth-oriented technology executive with expertise in operational execution and results-driven performance in a variety of complex technical fields. His focus and passion is to advance technology initiatives that specifically enable the active collaboration and connection between individuals, teams, and businesses. He explains his decision to join the board, “Berklee College plays a critical role in the industry by developing the music professionals of tomorrow, which is why I’m honored to be a part of Berklee City Music program’s advisory board.” He continues, “City Music is a phenomenal program that not only helps our youth develop musically and academically, but also helps them pursue their dreams in music. I’m looking forward to working with all of the board members to help further this important program.”

Dr. Henry Panion III is a professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the president and founder of BCMN site Audiostate 55. A two-time Grammy Award winner, Dr. Panion is a distinguished composer and producer who has conducted and arranged for Stevie Wonder, among many other notable artists. In addition to lending his expertise to the City Music Advisory Board, he was also recently appointed to the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Dr. Panion explains, “I am honored to have been asked to join the Advisory Board of the Berklee City Music Network. I have long felt that music is not merely a luxury but an essential part of life. BCMN provides the most unique opportunity for young people to be exposed to contemporary popular music in a manner that not only nurtures but prepares them for the future and a lifetime of making music.”

The City Music Advisory Board is is made up of a dynamic group of professionals who lend their experience and expertise to further city music’s mission. Board members are currently involved in developing new partnerships for PULSE, and a subcommittee is guiding the development of a City Music Vision Statement. This active group represents many facets of the music industry and education sector, and their strategic thinking and guidance is invaluable to the program.